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A home-based bakery may sound like a simple endeavor. Whip up a batch of cookies, throw them in the oven and then sell them to customers. However, home bakeries are not allowed in all areas and the regulations governing them can be quite stringent. Where home-based bakeries are allowed, there are very specific requirements.

Commercial Ovens

Commercial ovens may or may not be required in your area, but can certainly make life easier as a home baker. A family oven will limit how many baked goods you can create in a day.

Food Handling

If home bakeries are allowed in your area, you will likely need a food handler's permit from the department of health. This may require taking a few classes in safe food handling. Some states offer these courses online and others require that they be taken in person. Once the courses are completed, a permit will be issued. You may also need other permits and licenses. Check with your local department of health and city hall.

Zoning

Contact the local zoning board to ensure that you are able to operate a home bakery in your neighborhood. In addition to zoning considerations, your neighborhood may have covenants that prohibit homeowners from running businesses out of their home. Starting Sept. 1, 2011, Texas' Cottage Food Law will be in play, allowing for home bakeries. However, each area will still have specific zoning and ordinances that must be followed. For example, to run a home bakery within Houston, contact the city's health department for a food dealer's permit.

Proper Space Aand Equipment

Ensure that your home bakery is large enough to accommodate your growing business. In addition to a commercial oven, you will need counter space, refrigeration, cooling racks and places to store finished baked goods. You will also need an office area to track where your baked goods are going and upcoming events you might be covering. If you grow quickly and run out of space, look into renting a commercial kitchen.

Inspections

If you are fortunate enough to live in a state where home bakeries are allowed, the department of health will conduct regular inspections to ensure food is being handled properly. It is a good idea to review requirements on your city's department of health website to make sure you are meeting all regulations.

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About the Author

Lori Soard has been a writer since 1995, covering a variety of topics for local newspapers and magazines such as "Woman's World." For five years, she served as a site editor for a large online information portal. Soard is also the author of several published books, both fiction and nonfiction.